Flying over Europe - the sun is beating down and there is not a cloud in the sky.

Before leaving London we shared a very special morning with our wonderful London Family - Charlie's first day at his new school. Amazing to see him in his new school uniform - complete with blazer - beautifully polished shoes - and a backpack (full of sports gear and rugby togs) nearly bigger and definitely the same weight as Charlie. It looks like it is going to be an exciting year ! Fraser is starting school tomorrow - another great beginning. Sad to be missing that momentous occasion. Looking around the streets today the mothers' had a certain relieved look about them - 8 weeks of summer holidays is a very long time !!

Venice
Wow - what a view - glaciers, snow in crevices on the tops of the alps, sparkling azure blue glacial and alpine lakes and gleaming gold rivers snaking through the valleys. What an amazing view ! Got so absorbed in the sights, that I forgot that I get motion sickness when looking out of an aircraft window. Maybe this is the proof, that it is all in the mind after all. That would be great !!!!
We have been treated to gorgeous blue skies and an ambient temperature of around 28 degrees. What an incredible city this is - built on wooden stilts on 118 marshy islands. A city founded in the 7th century and an interesting political and artistic tradition. Unfortunately due to many fires throughout the centuries and the devastating Napoleonic and Austrian occupation at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century, many of the buildings and churches have been rebuilt - even several times. Many of the churches, each of the 118 islands had at least one, were destroyed by Napoleon's troups.
Getting lost in the little alleyways with their many bridges and portegos is the way to discover the secrets of Venice. No cars or scooters ...only gondolas and some motorised boats and water-taxis find their way around the only access routes -the small canals separating the islands. For the rest - you need to walk. Space is of the essence here - yet one marvels at the stately palazzos and their faded grandeur reflects the wealth that once made Venice the centre of the trading world. A tolerant city of traders and entrepreneurs, where many different religions, cultures and nationalities llived harmoniously side by side , being connected by the desire and need to trade.
Not having too much time, we focused on seeing the main attractions. The first was a guided tour of the Doges Palace - an incredibly impressive structure - a mixture of western and eastern architectural features. This was the seat of an elected ruler of Venice, the official offices and also the home of the judiciary. The prison (a gigantic and high-security stone structure) is right next door .
We were extremely fortunate to be treated to a gondola ride - one of those must-dos in Venice. A wonderful experience, but we were very happy not to have had to foot the bill. San Marco's Basilica, an absolute must-see of the basilicas in Europe, we were extremely fortunate to be able to see at night, due to a special request. To see the many different types of marble, marble mosaics and 8600 square meters of gold mosaics light up slowly was the most beautiful sight. The Byzantine influence was very strong and we are very fortunate that the building is so well- maintained, as it contains so many iconic examples of each period of its development.
It was the last weekend of the Venice Art Festival - one of the most important festivals for visual arts in the world - and it became very evident by the stylish men and wome in the streets, squares and cafes - and the mass of papparazzi - that the who's who of the film world were in town. Can't say we bumped into anyone we knew, but then Clint and I would be the last ones to recognise anyone !
One of the best risottos I have ever eaten, a risotto with porcini mushrooms, was at dinner at a very traditional restaurant on a terrace in San Marco. Magical !
After a great encounter with a very passionate young coffee roaster (and some obligatory purchases !) we transferred to the Norwegian Jade cruise ship on a private watertaxi - what a luxurious form of travel. Could get used to this lifestyle.
Leaving Venice at sunset via the Grand Canal was just picturebook perfect - somehow the photos just can't do it justice. Life on board is the usual ...laze around and eat ....lots. Food is extremely tasty and very varied. The greatest thing is that you can definitely avoid queues. Our cabin is spacious with a private balcony ....how spoilt are we !!
This morning I got up early and watched the sun rise over the islands off Croatia. While writing this, we are sailing past the islands just before Dubrovnic - where we will have an oportunity to disembark and view the city. There are so many small yachts around sailing around the Croatian coast. Looks idyllic ....definitely one for the never- ending bucket list.
Oh yes - nearly forgot....as we looked into the dark waters last night contemplating how frightening it must be to fall overboard and have to keep afloat in the dark waters for hours (like the South Africa off Bali) - we saw 2 turtles swimming by in the strip of water lit up by the lights of the boat.